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MOTIVATION
this period, and I definitely don't answer
emails. But if I arrive at work feeling less
than inspired, I give myself permission to
do something else — as long as it fits within
my three focus areas. Instead of writing and
problem-solving, I can read articles or books
on these topics, meet with a product team or
watch a lecture.
All that thinking and exploring soon makes
me feel more engaged. Once I'm engaged, I
come up with better ideas. And good ideas
inspire me to take action.
This process isn't accidental. It's a simple
feedback loop I use to get moving on days
when my brain feels stuck in neutral.
Remember that motivation
is optional
In a 2016 article for The Cut, author
Melissa Dahl wrote that "the only motiva-
tional advice anyone has ever needed [is] you
don't have to feel like getting something done
Your feelings don't have to match your
actions — especially when you truly want
to move forward
